One eyelid is lower than the other. Any advice? (Photos)

Question

I've noticed in pics and videos that one eyelid sits lower than the other. I am not sure if it is noticable to others. No one in my life has mentioned it directly. What steps can I take to fix this problem?

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

The photos suggest you have eyelid ptosis, worse on your right than your left. This is best treated surgically by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) who specializes in oculoplastic surgery. In experienced hands, it's generally a fairly straightforward fix.

All the best,
--DCP
Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

All the best, 
--DCP 
Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have asymmetric upper eyelid ptosis. You need to see an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation and consideration of eyelid ptosis surgery.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

You appear to have ptosis, which is a condition where a muscle in the upper eyelid becomes weakened and it allows the eyelid to fall lower across the eyeball than it should.  This issue can be corrected with a surgical procedure.  I would see an oculoplastic surgeon or a surgeon experienced in ptosis repair surgery.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The right side is a bit worse than the left. Get this fixed so you do not look sleepy. A surgery is requires but it is pretty comfortable to have this work and recovery relatively quick. If you health insurance, this might even be covered. I recommend looking on the website for the American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) maintains a regional directory that can help you find a highly qualified surgeon close to home. Your eyes can be your best feature.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You have ptosis of both upper eyelids, worse on one side.  You should see an oculoplastic surgeon who can evaluate the eyelid muscles to determine what surgery would be  best to elevate the lids.

Anthony Farole, DMD · Answer

Hello Jordaro,That is an easy fix with a one sided upper lid blepharoplasty. An appropriate amount of skin is removed from your upper right lid, then the lid is sutured lifting your lid into a nice position equal to your left lid. It can be done under local anesthesia without a problem.Dr. Farole

Wassia Khaja Ahmed, MD · Answer

I do see that one eyelid is lower than the other. Most people have asymmetry to the face; this can be caused by injury, repetitive motions (like pulling eyelid down to insert contacts) or just natural aging more on one side. You would want to see an ophthalmologist and also check your thyroid levels to make sure if it is really an "eyelid problem" and not an "eye bulging" problem. 
It is not obvious, so you don't have to have it fixed. If it bothers you though, a surgery can be done to restore the normal position of the eyelid. The surgery is done in an outpatient setting and would require about a week of healing time. 
Good luck!

One eyelid is lower than the other. Any advice? (Photos)

Answers (7)

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